1980 UCF Knights football team explained

The 1980 UCF Knights football season represented the University of Central Florida (UCF) as an independent during the 1980 NCAA Division III football season. Led by second-year head coach Don Jonas, the Knights compiled a record of 4–4–1, including the programs only tie, against .^[1] UCF played their home games at Orlando Stadium in downtown Orlando, Florida.

UCF's 1980 record is mildly disputed. The Carson–Newman Eagles (NAIA) were forced to forfeit their opening day 30–21 victory^[2] over the Knights due to an ineligible player.^[3] The official NCAA Statistics (possibly by error) maintain UCF's 1980 full season record as 3–5–1,^[4] However, the school^{[5] [6]} and local media^[7] claim a record of 4–4–1, interpreting the Eagles forfeit as a Knights win.

Schedule

^[8]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Finally, Gametime Arrives: Part 2 of 8 - The History of UCF Football. https://archive.today/20130102193209/http://ucfathletics.cstv.com/genrel/062207aaa.html. dead. January 2, 2013. University of Central Florida Athletics Association. June 22, 2007. December 24, 2011.
2. News: Carson-Newman pins 30–21 setback on UCF. Orlando Sentinel. Jim. Carfield. 14. Newspapers.com. September 14, 1980. December 2, 2024.
3. News: Dozen black players boycott UCF drills. Orlando Sentinel. Jim. Carfield. 365. Newspapers.com. October 1, 1980. December 2, 2024.
4. News: Final 1980 Cumulative Football Statistics Report. NCAA.org. December 2, 2024.
5. News: UCF Record Book - 2024 UCF Football. UCF Athletics. December 2, 2024.
6. News: UCF Hosts Utah on Senior Knight Friday. UCFKnights.com. Justin. Wilson. November 26, 2024. December 2, 2024.
7. News: UCF to extend Jonas' pact for 1981 football season. Orlando Sentinel. Jim. Carfield. 9. Newspapers.com. December 23, 1980. December 2, 2024.
8. Web site: . Final 1980 Cumulative Football Statistics Report . . June 12, 2023 .